Report for "A" ride to Holmbury

 

Dave Ferret writes .. 

My group comprised Steve D, Mark, Peter S and Ged (a late substitute for both  Francis and Neil C) and according to Neil W, allocated to my group on the basis that they didn’t mind a slower pace. "A group" numbers were low this week, with many who have been riding quite often with us understandably opting for the B group Xmas lunch. A wise choice perhaps. We were first away around 10:40 and, in the absence of Dave V, leaving Tim C to present the traditional Christmas chockies to Dave and Noreen at the RBL who look after us so well on behalf of all of us.

Neil’s ride followed Clive’s example two weeks ago of a shorter but very challenging ride to keep us fit in the run up to Christmas. A very chilly misty morning  with permanently  steamed up glasses made for an unpleasant start, but gradually clearing and warming after ascending Critten Lane, the first of many ascents! The sun finally broke through by the top of Leith Hill and after walking through the heavily fortified downhill road closure via the inclined bramble verge, a final morning grind up to a very good early lunch at the Royal Oak.

After grabbing our drinks and placing our orders we were shortly joined by Neils group and it was a pleasant change to share a large long table as one group for lunch. Service was swift giving us time for a coffee boost before the pm leg. 

Neil had offered a slight shortcut on the return leg in case conditions were treacherous, but my group unanimously opted for the Full Monty. So we enjoyed some very scenic, sunny, narrow, muddy, lumpy lanes via Friday St and Sheephouse which kept us warm before the final cruise back to Leatherhead. The only negative was on Sheephouse Lane, where we experienced a Close Encounter of the inconsiderate motorist kind, the second on that segment in 2 rides. 

My thanks to my sub group for a very enjoyable ride and to Neil for arranging a good lunch stop and another very suitable winter ride enabling most to get back home in the daylight.

I called this ride the '2023 Farewell to the North Downs' and it lived up to this name better than I hoped. The weather forecast for Wednesday had been erratic for the preceding week, which may have put some of the usual riders off. On the day it was 1C at Cobham, and misty.

The forecast was for sun from 1pm. Climbing Critten I suppose we were emerging from the mist because the sun was shafting thru the trees. My specs were still misted up so I had to take it slow on the main down section of the Critten climb, Janice remarked it was on the only time she's ever had to brake following me downhill. At the top we were in bright sunshine, Dave B. left us here for other commitments. Down Whitedown, and up the other side to Abinger, we pulled over for a vehicle, I mentioned about EM Forster living and writing in Abinger, Mike R. impressed us listing his books, and even more so that he had read several. Just after the Abinger Hatch pub is Donkey Lane, I offered the option of riding it on the way back. The moderate gradient went on and on up Leith Hill, more great views, then down continuing south where we had road work obstacles. We followed Ockley Road then right up Holmbury Lane for a gentle climb to Holmbury. As we reached the start of Holmbury I related that what is now the Mullard Space Science Centre, a mile east of Holbury, was built by architect George Street in the 1870s. When he and his wife first visited Holbury she declared it to be "Heaven's Gate. [ Correction, the house that George built is at the far end of Holmbury Hill Road, now part of Hurtwood House). Certainly Holmbury is a pretty village, it is thought to have inspired EM Forster for his fictional perfect English village named 'Summer Street' in A Room with a View. The pub and lunch were excellent. Holmbury is a super place for a circular walk of the surrounding hills, capped off by a meal and drinks at the pub. 

The return started with a gentle downhill section then a bit more climbing to Abinger, with the choice, Donkey Lane, Yay or Neigh? We took the easier alternative way to the LOTR scenes of Friday Street. The last stretch to Leatherhead was straightforward, the air was clear and we had great views of the North Downs stretching to the distance. At Leatherhead, farewell to Fiona, after checking a few possible cafe's we settled on Janice's choice of Charlie & Ginger, the remainers Pat, me, Janice and Mike enjoyed the cafe's fare, pricey but very good. 

Thanks everyone for turning up, Dave F. for sub-leading and Fiona for back-marking.